Volunteering in Cape Town. Courtesy of IVHQ.
In Cape Town, volunteers will work at a local animal shelter in the Grassy Park community. Volunteers will help run the shelter, care for abandoned animals, and help with the animals’ medications and injections. Additionally, volunteers will assist with animal cleaning and feeding to gain animal care experience.
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Elephants on safari in Southern Africa. Armin Rodler. CC BY-NC 2.0.
South Africa, the rainbow nation, is the southernmost country on the African continent. It is surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and shares borders with six neighboring countries. This cradle of humankind is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country on the African continent. It’s worth noting that South Africa houses 10% of the world’s plants, 15% of coastal marine species, and 7% of the world’s mammal, reptile and bird species. Botswana, known officially as the Republic of Botswana, is home to the planet's largest population of elephants. The nation is home to the Okavango Delta, the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around a third of Botswana’s landmass is protected as national parks, game reserves or wildlife management areas. Finally, there’s Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The nation has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has the most official languages in the world. On this trip, travelers start their journey in Johannesburg, where they can get acquainted and see the Emperor's Palace. Going into Botswana, everyone will have a chance to see the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where they will set up camp. After stopping in Maun, everyone can take pictures of the Okavango Delta. Travelers can engage in birdwatching on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). In Gweta, everyone can camp under the country’s iconic Baobab trees. Onward to Kasane, the group can choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. After arriving in Zimbabwe, the first destination is Victoria Falls. Everyone can take a helicopter ride over the iconic landmark while bungee jumping and taking selfies. In Matobo National Park, people can see the iconic granite masses before returning to South Africa. At Kruger National Park, everyone can scan the savanna for lions, elephants and other animals. After arriving back in Johannesburg, travelers can depart at any time.
This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $2119 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 15 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.
Though Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its natural beauty and seemingly endless outdoor activities, the city also faces many challenges. The “Volunteer in South Africa” trip lets enrollees tailor their abilities to help out, offering programs in sports development, kindergarten teaching, special needs care and surfing, skating and swimming. This program is available year-round, with accommodations in volunteer houses. Participants have weekends free to explore Cape Town, head inland for a safari, or see area attractions such as Table Mountain and the Garden Route. This trip is run by International Volunteer HQ, which has helped more than 110,000 people to volunteer abroad in more than 50 different destinations. The trip lasts at least one week with a cost of $325 and up to 24 weeks with a cost of $6,955.
This trip’s participants will provide one-on-one care of lion cubs by preparing food and feeding them, helping them exercise, maintaining their enclosures, collecting data and preserving the park.
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Work in an adventure club for 12-14-year-old children who come from disadvantaged areas of Cape Town. The club is primarily focused on surfing and swim lessons, and volunteers will receive free surf lessons (no surfing exp. necessary, but must be able to swim!). Local kids will be taught sports, hikes, and life lessons (HIV, drugs, etc.). Volunteers will work with children 2-5 days a week and can spend their mornings relaxing on the beach, learning to surf, or helping out in a school. Afternoons are spent doing activities through the adventure club with 5-20 different children! On the trip, volunteers will have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city, Cape Town, and explore Table Mountain National Park, see African Penguins, and explore beautiful hiking trails throughout the area! The min length for this trip is 14 days for $990, and the maximum length is 8 weeks for $2,730. Upcoming Departures: Every Friday.
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